BackgroundDesigned by Ryokichi Endo as an advanced trainer trainer, the Tachikawa Ki-54 was flown as a prototype form during the summer of 1940. A cantilever low-wing monoplane with retractable tailwheel landing gear, it was powered by two wing-mounted Hitachi Ha-13a radial engines. Successful testing led to the initial version intended for pilot training, were ordered during 1941.

The production aircraft was dubbed the Army Type 1 Advanced Trainer Model A (Tachikawa Ki-54a) and known in Japanese as Isshiki (Type 1), this aircraft did not have a Japanese nickname. Allied code name "Hickory".

Ki-54c Transport Version A transport version was made, Type 1 Advance Trainer Model Hei, Ki-45c . This version was capable of carrying eight passengers. A small number of civilian aircraft were also built, designated the Y-39. Roughly 500 Ki-54c transport versions.